‘Brew-thru' could be built near Monkey Junction intersection

Published: Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 6:51 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 6:51 p.m.

The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners will discuss approving the building of a "brew-thru" Tuesday at their monthly meeting.

At the board's agenda review Thursday afternoon, commissioners discussed holding a public hearing regarding a special use zoning permit to build a drive-thru convenience store on Carolina Beach Road near the Monkey Junction intersection. The convenience store is commonly referred to as a "brew-thru" and would sell beer and wine through the drive-thru window.

The county planning board previously split on the request, voting 3-3. County staff said the project does not meet the requirements for a special use permit, citing traffic issues and inconsistencies with the residential properties adjacent to the proposed store.

The commissioners will make the final decision on whether or not the permit is granted.

All current commissioners attended the agenda meeting. Newly elected commissioner Beth Dawson was also in attendance.

McMahon asked for eight additional deputy positions because an increase in the facility's population has brought the ratio of inmate to officer to an "unsafe level." Inmate assaults on officers, inmate assaults on other inmates, and suicide attempts have all increased as a result of this environment, he said.

The additional staff would cost the county an estimated $268,760.

"Commissioner Thompson and I took a tour of the jail and I admit I couldn't do that job," Chairman Jonathan Barfield said. "I know it's needed."

Commissioner Brian Berger used his own short stint in jail to praise the detention center's current staff for working well even with a shortage of officers.

"I must say, under those circumstances, I found from firsthand experience that the professionalism of the officers is commendable," he said.

The board will make the final decision on the additional deputy positions Tuesday.

<p>The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners will discuss approving the building of a "brew-thru" Tuesday at their monthly meeting.</p><p>At the board's agenda review Thursday afternoon, commissioners discussed holding a public hearing regarding a special use zoning permit to build a drive-thru convenience store on Carolina Beach Road near the Monkey Junction intersection. The convenience store is commonly referred to as a "brew-thru" and would sell beer and wine through the drive-thru window.</p><p>Commissioner Jason Thompson expressed concern over the store's proposed location and potential danger to the area's pedestrians.</p><p>The county planning board previously split on the request, voting 3-3. County staff said the project does not meet the requirements for a special use permit, citing traffic issues and inconsistencies with the residential properties adjacent to the proposed store.</p><p>The commissioners will make the final decision on whether or not the permit is granted.</p><p>All current commissioners attended the agenda meeting. Newly elected commissioner Beth Dawson was also in attendance.</p><p>Sheriff <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic79"><b>Ed McMahon</b></a> asked commissioners to consider approving additional detention center staffing at the meeting. </p><p>McMahon asked for eight additional deputy positions because an increase in the facility's population has brought the ratio of inmate to officer to an "unsafe level." Inmate assaults on officers, inmate assaults on other inmates, and suicide attempts have all increased as a result of this environment, he said.</p><p>The additional staff would cost the county an estimated $268,760.</p><p>"Commissioner Thompson and I took a tour of the jail and I admit I couldn't do that job," Chairman Jonathan Barfield said. "I know it's needed."</p><p>Commissioner <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic9976"><b>Brian Berger</b></a> used his own short stint in jail to praise the detention center's current staff for working well even with a shortage of officers.</p><p>"I must say, under those circumstances, I found from firsthand experience that the professionalism of the officers is commendable," he said.</p><p>The board will make the final decision on the additional deputy positions Tuesday.</p><p><i></p><p>Ashley Withers: 343-2223</p><p><a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @AshleyWithers</i></p>